Amputation Claims Solicitors

Losing a limb is a life-changing event, filled with both physical and psychological trauma. When you’re going through rehabilitation, adapting to a new way of life, and coping with the loss, the last thing you need is financial stress. Our expert team of amputation claims solicitors can help you claim the compensation you need to get your life back on track.

David, Review Solicitors

Anna’s determination to succeed, her communication skills, and her professional knowledge made what was a very difficult period for me much easier to endure and I would have no hesitation in recommending her, and the firm, as appropriate.

What Type of Accidents Can Result in Amputation?

Amputations can occur from a variety of accidents or incidents. Here are some common types of accidents that may lead to an amputation:

Road Traffic Accidents

Road traffic accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, bicycles, or pedestrians can result in severe injuries that cause or require amputation. Especially if limbs are crushed or experience extreme trauma.

Accidents at Work

Workplace accidents can result in loss of limbs.

• Workers who operate or work with or near heavy machinery can suffer from accidents where their limbs get caught or crushed.
• Falling from heights, like from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops, can result in injuries severe enough to necessitate amputation.
• High voltage can cause severe burns leading to necessary amputations.
• Severe burns from explosions, fires, or chemicals might damage tissues beyond repair, requiring amputation.

Accidents in Public Places

Accidents can happen in public places which cause serious injury. This includes;

• Faulty theme park rides
• Train, bus or coach crashes
• Explosions
• Fires
• Terrorist attacks
• Accidents in schools

Sports Injuries

Although less common, extreme sports or high-contact sports can sometimes lead to traumatic injuries that require amputation.

Military Accidents

Soldiers exposed to combat situations might face explosives, gunshots, or other dangers leading to traumatic injuries that result in amputations.

Animal Attacks

Severe bites, from dog attacks or from larger animals, can damage limbs to the extent that they cannot be saved.

Medical Negligence

Medical negligence can result in surgical errors, tissue damage or severe infections, making amputation necessary to save the individual’s life.

Many of these situations are preventable with proper safety precautions, medical interventions, or proper equipment maintenance. If you suffered a limb loss as a result of any of the above, contact our personal injury solicitors today.

How Much Compensation Will I Get For the Loss of a Limb?

It’s impossible to say how much compensation you’ll receive as every case is different. However, when calculating the value of your claim, we’ll consider;

The Type of Amputation and its Severity

• The limb: The area and extent of amputation is significant. The total loss of a limb is likely to receive a higher award than the partial loss of a finger.
• Complete or partial: The loss of an entire limb might result in higher compensation compared to a partial loss. The location of the amputation and the size and function of the residual limb will also have an effect.
• Single or multiple: Losing multiple limbs would typically result in a higher compensation award.
• Phantom limb pain: The presence of nerve damage causing chronic pain or phantom limb pain will usually increase compensation.

The Impact On Your Quality of Life

How the amputation affects your daily life will affect the level of compensation you could receive. We’ll consider;

• The amount of pain and suffering you have experienced.
• Your ability to partake in the activities and hobbies you used to enjoy.
• Loss of companionship, affection, or intimate relations, especially for spouses or partners of the amputee.

Financial Costs

There are a lot of financial costs to consider when making a claim for loss of limb compensation. These include;

• Loss of earnings: Compensation for wages or income lost due to the injury and time off work.
• Future loss of earnings: If the amputation affects long-term earning capacity, you can be compensated for anticipated future earnings lost.
• Medical expenses: This includes the costs of the amputation surgery, post-surgery treatments, and any necessary follow-up procedures including phantom limb or nerve treatment. It also covers medications, and other medical expenses.
• Rehabilitation costs: This might include physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling or other forms of rehab. It can extend to travel costs to attend treatment and equipment to get the best outcome from it, such as prosthetics, home and vehicle modifications.
• Prosthetic limbs and equipment: Costs associated with prosthetic arms, legs, hands or feet can be included within a claim. Modern prosthetics can include bionic or microprocessor joints or digits to greatly improve function and independence. Wheelchairs, or other mobility and assistive devices can be included together with insurance, maintenance and future replacements.
• Home or vehicle modifications: Such as wheelchair ramps, modified stairs bathrooms, or vehicle adaptations.
• Care and Assistance: Costs associated with personal care, either temporarily or permanently, whether provided by friends and family or medical professionals. Especially if you require help with personal care or daily activities.

Your Future Needs

We’ll also consider your future needs and the financial impact they will have. Including;

• Ongoing Medical Treatments: This could include future surgeries, medical appointments, or medications.
• Future rehabilitation or therapy: Continuous physical or psychological therapy.
• Ongoing care costs: For any personal care or assistance you might need in the future.

To get an accurate estimate, get in touch. Our amputation solicitors will be able to help.

How Long Do I Have to Make an Amputation Claim?

You have three years to make an amputation compensation claim (often referred to as the “limitation period”).

This time limit starts from;

1. The date of your accident, or
2. The date you became aware that negligence contributed to your injury. This is called the “date of knowledge”.

There are some exceptions to this three-year limitation period;

• Children: For minors (those under the age of 18), the limitation period often doesn’t start until their 18th birthday. This means a parent or guardian can make a claim on behalf of the child before they reach 18. After that, they have until they’re 21 to make to make a claim for themselves.
• Mental Incapacity: There are no time limits if you’re claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the mental capacity to claim themselves.
• Fatal Accidents: When claiming on behalf of a lost oved one, you have three years from the date they died. Or the date you became that negligence contributed to their death.

If you think you have a claim, it’s important you contact us as soon as possible. Even if you think you might be nearing the end of or have passed the limitation period, it’s worth seeking legal advice.

How Long Do Amputation Claims Take to Settle?

The length of time the claim process takes to settle depends on a wide range of factors, including;

• Case complexity: The more complex your case, the longer it might take to resolve. Determining liability, assessing the full extent of your damages, or dealing with multiple defendants can add to the complexity.

• Medical prognosis: Before we can settle your claim, we need to understand the full extent of your injury and its long-term impact on your life. In the case of an amputation, understanding your long-term medical needs, the potential for prosthetics, and ongoing therapy or care can take time.

• Willingness to settle: Some defendants or insurance companies might be more inclined to settle quickly Others might be more combative, leading to extended negotiations or even a trial.
• Amount of Compensation: Larger claims, where more compensation is at stake, might involve longer negotiations or additional scrutiny. This can lead to longer claim times.
• Evidence Gathering: Gathering necessary evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies, can be time-consuming. This is especially true if there are disputes about how your injury occurred or its impact on your life.
• Legal Proceedings: If we can’t settle your claim out of court and it goes to a trial, your claim will take longer. Court schedules, procedural requirements, and potential appeals can all extend the timeline.

In some cases, we might be able to claim interim payments. These are advanced payments designed to cover immediate expenses and ease the financial pressures of your situation. When your claim is settled, the amount of money you received in interim payments gets deducted from the final amount.

Can I Claim on Behalf of Someone Else?

Yes, you can claim on behalf of someone else under certain circumstances. These include;

• Minors: A parent or guardian can claim on behalf of a minor that’s under the age of 18. Any compensation awarded is usually held in a trust until they reach 18. However, you can release funds for specific needs, like medical care or education.
• Mental Incapacity: If an individual lacks the mental capacity to manage their affairs or make decisions about a claim, a family member or guardian can act on their behalf.

• Fatal Incidents: If you have lost a loved one, whether due to the injury itself or other reasons, a spouse or the executor of their estate can claim.
• Power of Attorney: If you have power of attorney for an individual, you might be able to pursue a claim on that person’s behalf. However, this depends on the type of power of attorney.

Can I Make a No Win, No Fee Claim?

In most cases our personal injury team pursue a your claim on a no win, no fee basis.

This means you are never at any financial risk. You won’t have to pay anything in advance, and you won’t have anything to pay if your claim isn’t successful.

When your claim is successful, the other side pays most of the legal fees. After that, we’ll deduct any other costs from your settlement.

We will always keep you up to date with any fees so there will never be any nasty surprises.

Why Choose Ringrose Law to Handle Your Serious Injury Claim?

At Ringrose Law, our motto is, ‘Where individuals count’.

Every person we represent is an individual, with individual experiences and needs. That way we take an individual approach to every medical negligence claim.

That’s why, when you instruct us to represent you, we’ll;

1. Assign you an experienced medical negligence solicitor – to look after you case, from start to finish.
2. Give you direct their direct contact details – you’ll be able to get in touch with your solicitor whenever you need to.
3. Help you access the best possible treatment – from medical care to physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

We can also deal with your case in a way that suits you. If you prefer to deal with your solicitor directly, you can call or visit us in our offices. In some cases, we can come to visit you, either at home or in hospital.